Professor Zoltán Molnár delivers the Pinckney J. Harman Memorial Lecture of the Cajal Club in Bilbao
The Pinckney J. Harman Memorial Lecture is a prestigious distinction awarded to leading neuroscientists. Since its establishment in 1951–52, when the first lecture was delivered by Rafael Lorente de Nó, the award has recognised many of the most eminent figures in the field. Professor Molnár is the second Hungarian scientist to deliver the lecture, following János Szentágothai in 1971–72, and the second lecturer from the University of Oxford, following Ray W. Guillery in 1997–98.
The 2026 lecture took place during the Cortical Evolution Conference in Bilbao, held from 15–17 June 2026. Professor Nenad Sestan, President-Elect of the Cajal Club and Harvey and Kate Cushing Professor of Neuroscience at Yale School of Medicine, presented the certificate and introduced Professor Molnár’s lecture, entitled “Subcortical Plate: A Transient Structure with Lasting Impact on Evolution, Circuit Assembly and Cognitive Functions.”
" Professor Molnár is an authority on the development and evolution of the mammalian cerebral cortex. His work has been especially influential in revealing the importance of transient developmental structures and early patterns of connectivity in shaping the cerebral cortex, including the role of subplate neurons and thalamocortical pathways. " Professor Nenad Sestan
Professor Molnár expressed his gratitude to the members of the Cajal Club for this recognition and for the opportunity to deliver the memorial lecture.